National FFA Organization 2015

T

MOTTO

Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

THE FFA CREED

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds - achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the strug-

gles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so— for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

Northern Virginia Daily

MISSION

glowing with opportunity.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives The plow signifies labor and tillage of the of students by developing their potential for soil, the backbone of agriculture and the hispremier leadership, personal growth and career toric foundation of our country’s strength. success.

The eagle is a national symbol which serves FFA EMBLEM as a reminder of our freedom and ability to exThe cross section of the ear of corn provides plore new horizons for the future of agriculture. the foundation of the emblem, just as corn has historically served as the foundation crop of American agriculture. It is also a symbol of unity, as corn is grown in every state of the nation.

The owl, long recognized for its wisdom, symbolizes the knowledge required to be successful in the industry of agriculture.

The words “Agricultural Education” and “FFA” are emblazoned in the center to signify The rising sun signifies progress and holds a the combination of learning and leadership promise that tomorrow will bring a new day necessary for progressive agriculture.

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

FFA We provide donations, scholarships and support to our local FFA chapters.

TRACTOR PULL:

June 20 – 6 p.m. at Shenandoah County Fairgrounds

W

OODSTOCK YOUNG FARMERS

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he National FFA Organization is an American youth organization known as a Career and Technical Student Organization, based on middle and high school classes that promote and support agricultural education. The organization was founded in 1928 as National FFA Organization, but in 1988 the name was changed to the National FFA Organization, now commonly referred to as simply FFA, to recognize that the organization is for those with diverse interests in the food, fiber and natural resource industries, encompassing science, business and technology in addition to production agriculture. Today FFA is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States.

NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Northern Virginia Daily

• Admiral Byrd Middle School FFA has been recognized as a Superior Gold Star FFA program because of its active FFA chapter.

They host a variety of activities to support leadership, community service, financial stability, healthy lifestyles ABMS members participate and student development. in many Career • Along with an established Development Events (CDE) Program of Activities, the such as agricultural mechanics, small animal care, plant President: Nate McRae science, horse, dairy, and Vice Pres.: Charlie Shepley livestock judging events.

Secretary: Michael Chase Officers and active members Reporter: Hannah Burton attend a Leadership Retreat in August. As the year proTreasurer: Tyler Hazelwood gresses members will attend Sentinel: Logan Hartley state sponsored leadership Historian: Gabby Osborne events such as the Advisors: Massanutten Federation.

Mrs. Kathy Ritenour & Each month members attend Mrs. Pam Hogmire an FFA meeting with topics

such as a family covered dish, team building, fundraising events, bowling, state officer guest speaker and end of year banquet recognition. Each month a student is recognized as student of the month.

• ABMS celebrated Black History Month by sponsoring a school play for the entire 6th grade class. This event was sponsored by American Woodmark of Winchester, VA.

February 24, 2015

Kristy Foltz and Jennifer Frye present a check to Mrs. Kathy Ritenour as a sponsor for Bright Stars Touring Theatre performance of Lincoln and Tubman.

• For the last six years, the FFA chapter has organized a school-wide club leadership workshop with approximately 86 students from three grade levels participating in a two hour club leadership workshop. Following the workshops, the participants attended a motivating presentation by James Frisby of FASST training.

• ABMS is active with

community service projects such as collecting food for the local food bank, WATTS program, Adopt-A-Highway program and Hugs-ForSoldiers care packages.

ABMS promotes Earth Day in April each year with many activities such as school wide t-shirt design contest, tree distribution and public relations events throughout the community.

Michael Chase practices his dairy judging skills at the State Fair of Virginia.

• Through fundraising, a $200 scholarship has been established to reward members that were active in the ABMS FFA and continued to be an active FFA member at the feeder high schools.

The scholarship is awarded during the graduation awards ceremonies at local high schools.

We are committed in supporting the local FFA chapters & wish them continued success!

IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

ROUTE 11 SOUTH IN STEPHENS CITY

FFA

5784 Valley Pike • (540) 869-3132

2 MI. EAST OF FARMER’S LIVESTOCK IN WINCHESTER 243034

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447 Amherst Street • (540) 662-0375

W W W. S O U T H E R N S T A T E S . C O M

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Northern Virginia Daily

Aylor Middle School in Stephens City is one of 7500 FFA Chapters across the United States that are sponsoring activities and events that will publicize the organization and bring recognition to the industry of agriculture.

Aylor FFA has 97 members and will be having a special meeting during National FFA Week to recognize each member. Sixth graders will receive their membership pins. Seventh graders will be awarded the Discovery Degree, which is the first degree of FFA membership, and all eighth grades will receive the Greenhand Degree. The Chapter has invited a former member, Billy Moreland, as

Aylor Middle FFA Officer Team Massanutten Federation Leadership Workshop

a guest speaker to share how the FFA has impacted his life and career as a fire fighter.

The Chapter will also sponsor a breakfast for the faculty and staff of the school.

National FFA Convention Louisville, KY

Breakfast will be served by the FFA members to show appreciation for our teachers as well as to remind people of the importance of agriculture.

Aylor FFA sponsors numerous student, chapter and community events throughout the school year that provide members with chances to develop leadership, learn about agriculture, travel and meet other FFA members. Aylor annually competes in middle school Career Development Events (CDE) such as FFA Quiz Bowl, Small Animal Care, Food and Fiber, Agriscience Mechanics and Plant Science. These events teach middle school members about the many career

paths that are open to anyone interested in pursuing a vocation in agriculture.

Aylor FFA participates in multiple school and community events including the Frederick County Fair, Main Street Agriculture and making apple butter at Hill High Farm. Members have attended the State and National FFA Convention as well as several other leadership workshops. Aylor FFA assists with the school wide Career Fair and the Annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament.

FFA membership is open to any student in grades six through eight who are enrolled in an agriculture class. Approximately 57% of the school population is

Hatched baby chicks in the fall

enrolled in one agriculture elective. Courses range from six weeks in length for sixth graders to 18 weeks for seventh and eighth graders.

Aylor Middle School is advised by Kim Black and Pam Hogmire who credit a great deal of the success of the program to the support of parents and the agriculture community. Supporters Main Street Ag Program of FFA (SOFFA) at Aylor October in Winchester and Sherando provide assisTucker Myers and Mason tance year round with Beall assisted with educational activities for small events at both schools and children. offer numerous scholarships to seniors who want to goal setting to anyone who study agriculture beyond participates. The skills high school. learned in an ag classroom or in FFA are carried forMembership in the FFA ward to other activities, creteaches life skills, leadership, self confidence and ating success for a lifetime.

(540) 868-1001

Fax: (540) 868-1011

Hours By Appointment: Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm • Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Salutes the over 700 agriculture students and over 200 FFA members in grades 6-8 at Aylor Middle School and Sherando High School

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681 Aylor Road P.O. Box 1117 Stephens City, VA 22655

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Supporters of FFA (SOFFA)

NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Northern Virginia Daily

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Chapter History and Awards the members have received:

• 12 advisors • 3 National Officers

• 1 Regional American Star in Agribusiness • 2 National Agriscience Student of the Year Finalist

• 82 American Degree recipients – the highest degree an • 9 National Proficiency Award Finalist FFA member can receive • 2 National Proficiency • 2 American Star Farmer Award Winners Finalist • 54 State Proficiency Central FFA Officers Winners since 1992 2014-2015 President: Emily Dysart Student Advisor: Elizabeth Rhodes Vice Presidents: John Robert Helsley, Nicole Kibler, Emily Nicely, Grant Smith, Ashton Duncan Secretary: Gracie Bailey Treasurer: Lexus Ryman Reporter: Jenna Kibler Sentinel: Samuel Rhodes Historians: Catherine Bulatko, Kylie Stottlemyer Parliamentarian: Garrett Cummins Central FFA Junior Officers 2014-15 President: Olivia Gochenour Vice President: Jessica Droz, Jacob French Secretary: Kaitlin Mantz Reporter: Joseph Di Roberto Sentinel: Joseph Foltz Parliamentarian: Isaac Rhodes Historians: Lilly Tharp, Dakota Harvey

• 23 State Officers • 7 State Star Farmer Award Winners

needs can be addressed, how FFA members’ skills can be utilized to effect community change, and how FFA members can take information learned at one community service site to provide a similar service in their own community.

• Adopt a Highway • Operation Christmas Child • Canned Food Drives • Care Packages for Soldiers

• Relay for Life • 2 State Star in Agricultural • Petting Zoos Christmas Placement Food Basket • 2 State Stars in • Farmer for a Day Agribusiness Agricultural Literacy • 1 State Star In Agriscience • Pre-K Farm Day: Students • 62 State Winning teams visit a local farm, to see a since 1978 real working farm. Students • 4 State Agriscience are introduced to farm aniStudent of the Year mals, equipment, are able to see pigs, sheep, goats, cows, National Model of a horse and chickens and Innovation Finalist 5 Years working dogs. Students are Model of Innovation in able to milk a cow, plant Student Development 2011, seeds and learn the grains 2012 Community Service that go into their food.

Projects • Kindergarten and first Model of Excellence 2014 grade classes tour greenOne of top 10 chapters in house: Students learn the Nation parts of plants, how plants Sponsor State wide College grow and are able to plant Fair of FFA members flower for Mother’s Day. Community Service • First and second grade • National FFA Day of Service Program is to actively educate FFA members and their advisors on how various community

Nature Trail Tours: Students visit the newly planted wide variety of trees behind the high school. Students learn how to identify trees, envi-

ronmental impacts and wildlife conservation.

• Fourth Grade Food for America: Live animals, farm equipment, lawn/ turf equipment and wildlife habitat are a few of the stations students get to see. Students learn not only about the livestock, and crops but where their food actually comes from and what goes into producing each product.

• Farming Fun Day for first graders: Students get to see

live farm animals –cows, sheep, pigs, horses, goats, chickens and tractors. They plant a seeds to take home, learn about grains, eat ice cream, milk a cow and learn about small animal care.

various types of fish. After learning how to fish students are giving hands on practice - they get to go fishing!

• Leadership and team building workshop for 7th grade: • Fish Clinic for sixth grade: Working with the home Students visit a local pond room class students are sent and learn about fish habitat, through a rotation of various water safety, environmental activities to learn leadership impacts and how to fish. and speaking skills as well Students also get to taste as team building.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of our youth

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Central FFA Chapter began in 1959 with the opening of the new high. Our chapter was a merger between Edinburg High School and Woodstock High School in 1959.

The WR Legge FFA Chapter of Frederick County Middle School averages 6075 members each year making it the largest club at our school. Major activities for the year include:

NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Activities such as a canned food drive to benefit local area food banks and a pet show whose entry fee is an item to donate to a local animal shelter.

Northern Virginia Daily

end of the year to recognize important things and we sinaccomplishments of members cerely thank you all for everythroughout the year. thing you do.

We also participate in at least 8 different competitions throughout the year at the • FFA Week Celebrations local and state levels culmithat include a trivia competi- nating in our participation at • Citrus Fruit, Meat, & tion for students and school the Virginia State FFA Cheese Sale in the fall staff, a social for staff, give• Vera Bradley/ Thirty-One/ aways and special announce- Convention in June in Blacksburg, VA. Our FFA Longaberger Basket Bingo in ments throughout the week.

Chapter is constantly preparthe spring (March 13, 2015 is • Sponsor food and drinks ing for and participating in this year’s date, tickets on sale for Family Fun Nights that events throughout the year now, contact the school at our school holds to bring which would not be possible 540-667-4233 or email harstaff, students, and parents without the support of our risos@frederick.k12.va.us for together for an evening of fel- student officers, parents, and tickets) lowship, fun, and games. community members.

• Monthly Meetings • Parent-Member Reception Without you all, our chapter • Community Service and Awards Ceremony at the could not accomplish so many

Susan Harrison, Advisor

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Northern Virginia Daily

• Advisors: Mandy Curry ipating in service projects. & Samantha Stern • Our chapter is a Trout in • FFA Activities: the Classroom program parThroughout the year, stuticipant and will release dents are able to participate Brook Trout later in the in a variety of activities. year. This is to help rebuild Some of these activities the native Brook Trout include improving leaderspecies. Students also parship, teamwork, and comticipate in the Adopt a Street munications skills by program and run a school attending the Massanutten recycling program. This Federation Leadership year students have worked Workshop and Virginia to landscape the area directTech FFA Fall Leadership ly outside of the Agriculture Conference, participating in Department and are in the competitions, holding planning stages for designmonthly meetings, listening ing a school garden area. to guest speakers from Once the area has been James Wood High School planned students will work and Virginia FFA, assisting to help build planter boxes, with our annual meat and seating areas, and grow difcitrus fundraiser, and partic- ferent types of plants.

NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

• Later this year we plan to take students on a farm tour trip through Virginia.

This will allow students a first hand opportunity to explore different areas of the agriculture industry from production to marketing.

• FFA Monthly Meetings: A meeting is held monthly for members to learn of upcoming events and to participate in different activities. Students met and planned meetings for the year. Chosen activities have included, kickball games, making Christmas ornaments, community service activities, team building games, and making woodworking projects.

• FFA Competitions: Students are also able to gain knowledge and experience for future careers by participating in student career development events.

These competitions range from small animal care, public speaking, Block and Bridle livestock judging, quiz bowl, plant and seed,

creed speaking, and food and fiber. Students compete in federation contests

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and also at the VA FFA State Convention. Students are able to earn awards

ranging from ribbons to plaques for excelling in competitions.

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Northern Virginia Daily

President: Cody Boden Vice President: Jillian Oliver Secretary: Katherine Thompson Treasurer: Evan Lineweaver Reporter: Kristel Myers Sentinel: Michaela Raines Historian: Tayla Mullins Federation Representative: Courtney Walls Senior Advisor: Emily Bucklew Head 2nd VP: Bridget Mullins 2nd Vice President: DJ Christian 2nd Vice President: Brandon McDonald 2nd Vice President: Sierra Miller Advisors: Mr. Eric McLaughlin, Mrs. Crystal Duvall & Mrs. Ginger Anderson

Senior officer Bridget Mullins at National Convention in Louisville holding up her favorite animal!

James Wood FFA member Jacob Duvall helping out at the Autumn Ag Fest in October.

Junior officer Michaela Raines (left) and senior officer Cody Boden (right) helping kids fill grain bottles during Main Street Ag.

Senior officer Kristel Myers showing her Shorthorn at our Frederick County Fair 2014!

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Northern Virginia Daily

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Some highlights from last year……

• Halloween Carnival - The CTE clubs at Millbrook put on a Halloween Carnival for local elementary school students. There are various games and activities for the students to participate in. All money that is raised goes to a different local organization every year.

• Envirothon – This years Envirothon team placed second at the local level.

• Greenwood Mill Elementary School – Master Gardeners Program – Some of the FFA members and Mr. Borst helped out with the Master Gardeners Program at Greenwood Mill Elementary School.

Horticulture Demonstration

Contests • Horticulture Demonstration • Envirothon • Horse Judging • Landscaping • Poultry • Stockman’s • Public Speaking • Small Engines • Dairy Judging

Halloween Carnival

Small Engines Contest

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Activities • Federation Leadership Conference • Area Rally • Greenhouse Tours for Elementary Schools • State Officer Visits • Halloween Carnival • Adopt – A – Spot • Trout in the Classroom

Envriothon Team

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Northern Virginia Daily

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Activities • Virginia FFA Convention - Dakota Baker, Brooke Dinges, Camryn MacDonald and Darcey Bennett

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Goodwin, Mindi Freed, Blake Dysart, James Eaton, Tucker Dorman, Dustin Ennis, Darcey Bennett, Constance Polk and Robert Baker Jr

• Federation and Area • National FFA Career Development Convention - Blake Dysart, Events Emily Rexrode, Darcey • FFA Citrus, Meat and Bennett and Camryn Cheese Fundraiser MacDonald • Massanutten Federation Leadership Workshop - Ricky

• State FFA Officers Brittany Bowman and Garrett Coffey visited our

Northern Virginia Daily

members to share the importance of teamwork and communication.

• FFA members met at the corn maze at the covered bridge to take on the challenge of making it through the maze together using teamwork.

FFA Week FFA Week is an exciting week at North Fork Middle School. Below are several of the activities that take place during the week.

• Spirit Dress Up days • Faculty FFA Knowledge Contest • Daily Trivia Questions for students and faculty

President: Blake Dysart

• “Did You Know?”

Morning Announcements with Fun FFA Facts

Vice Presidents: Emily Rexrode and James Eaton

Community Service

Secretary: Mindi Freed

• Adopt- A- Highway

Treasurers: Matthew Eaton and Tucker Dorman

• Holiday Cards to deployed US Soldiers

Reporters: Nick Foltz and Constance Polk

• Adopt- A- Soldier Program

North Fork FFA Officer Darcey Bennett participates in the Massanutten Federation Small Care Career Development Event.

North Fork FFA Officers at the Massanutten Leadership Workshop.

From Left to Right: Ricky Goodwin, Mindi Freed, Blake Dysart, James Eaton, Tucker Dorman, Dustin Ennis, Darcey Bennett, Constance Polk and Robert Baker Jr.

Sentinels: Darcey Bennett and Dustin Ennis

• Visit local nursing home to deliver spring flowers planted by FFA members and NFMS Ag classroom students

Parliamentarians: James Beckenstrater and Ashley Eaton Historians: Robert Baker and Ricky Goodwin 6th Grade Representative: James Zirkle

• Donate fruit to local food pantry

WE

WE SUPPORT FFA

James Eaton and Emily Rexrode participate in a teamwork activity under the direction of State FFA Secretary Brittany Bowman.

SUPPORT

FFA!

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

FFA Activities and Accomplishments

Vice Presidents: Gracie Holzbauer, Walker Bowman, Benajmin Wright & Riley Haines

• Quiz Bowl • Public Speaking • Food and Fiber - Second Place in State

Secretaries: Tilden Crisman and Daniel Dellinger

• Poultry - State Winning Jr. Team

Treasurer: Angel De la Cruz

• Meats – Third Place in State

Reporter: Logan Yew

• Northern Area Rally

Sentinels: Sydney Tharp and Avery Mason

• State FFA Convention ical and occupational therapy to provide and maintain Community Partnerships equipment.

• Superior Chapter Award

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President: Jake Coffey

• Agriscience Mechanics

• National Chapter Award

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maintenance at PMMS.

• Participation in the National Days of Service proj• Work with other school • Community service proj- ect at the Louisville Nature departments including phys- ects including landscaping Center, Louisville, KY.

Historians: Shane Dodson and Bruce Coffelt Parliamentarian: Henry Wakeman

Wholesome Foods “Country Deli & Butcher Shoppe” We would like to thank the local FFA chapters for purchasing meat and cheese products for their annual fruit sale. We are proud to provide quality products for their fundraising program.

We wish them continued success.

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Northern Virginia Daily

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Career Development Events

Northern Virginia Daily

President: Cailin Orgen Vice President: Randall Gray

• Agricultural Sales • Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems

Secretary: Morgan Kline

• Dairy Cattle Evaluation

Treasurer: Austin Gottshall

Student Advisor: Sara Stickman

• Dairymen’s

Reporter: Collin Ordonez

• Environmental and Natural Resources

Historian: Bailey McGill

• Envirothon

Historian: Mary Painter

Sentinel: Justin Petrie

Chaplain: David Ames

• Floriculture

Advisor: Chrissy Whitacre

• Forestry Evaluation • Small Engine Repair

It was established for those with an interest in agricul• Stockman’s • Horticulture ture and continues to help Demonstration • Tractor Operators students discover their unique talents and explore • Job Interview • Veterinary Science the growing diversity of • Milk Quality and Sherando High School agriculture. The chapter Products FFA currently has 110 members, • Nursery Landscape Sherando FFA was estab- 10 officers and 4 Advisors.

• Parliamentary Procedure lished in 1993 and has been Sherando FFA participates • Poultry Evaluation extremely active ever since. in a variety of events including: community service, monthly meetings, leadership workshops, conventions, chapter fundraisers, career development events, and much more.

• Hippology

Advisor: Ashlee Whitfield Advisor: Liz Borst Advisor: Jeff Stout

Citizens Prom, Amerisist holiday visit, Adopt-AFamily, Salvation Army Food Drive, and Sherando Warrior Day of Service to name a few.

Teaberry Hill Woodworks Proud Supporters of FFA We saw lumber to your specifications

Community Service Sherando FFA members know the importance of giving back to the community and participate in many community service events each year. Local events include hosting a Senior

Jim Hisghman and John Hisghman Owners

TEABERRY HILL WOODWORKS

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Facilities: • Woodmizer band saw mill • 2500 square foot drying shed • 2,000 bd. ft. capacity dry kiln • Well equipped wood shop

Services Available: • Custom Sawing of logs • Custom Drying • Custom Milling

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P.O. Box 415, Strasburg, VA 22657 Phone: (540) 533-1185 Fax: (540) 465-1646 Email: hisghman@shentel.net

NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Northern Virginia Daily

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Named the #1 Middle School FFA Chapter in Virginia & Nationally Ranked 3-Star Chapter The Signal Knob Middle School FFA Chapter has been tremendously busy so far this year.

We have participated in numerous events. Some of these events include: Summer of 2014 activities:

In celebration of National FFA Week, some of our activities include:

• Participated in numerous Career Development Event contest at the State FFA Convention

• State FFA Officer visit

• Earned a Gold National Chapter Rating, Superior Chapter Award, and Gold Public Relations

• Serving cherry pies to faculty and staff in honor of George Washington’s birthday

• Named the #1 Middle School FFA Chapter in Virginia • Northern Area Winner in Chapter and Community Development

• Dress-up Days for Students & Staff • Radio public service announcements recorded by officers and will be broadcasted on various radio stations

• State winner in Community Development

• Speaking at the Strasburg Town Council meeting and having the FFA Week Proclamation signed by Strasburg Mayor, Tim Taylor

• Attended State FFA Leadership Camp at Graves Mountain Lodge

• Holding an ice cream social for FFA members

• Volunteered at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Philadelphia

• Giving faculty and staff gifts each day in their mailboxes

• Held a FFA Blast-Off Leadership Workshop and pool party at the Strasburg Park • Held a Bake Sale

• Speaking to elementary school students to promote agriculture • Participating in the FFA State Parliamentary Procedure event on March 7th

Some of our Fall and Winter activities include:

• Participate in a variety of FFA contests

• Held a Back-to-School FFA Spirit Night at Anthony’s Pizza in Strasburg

• Visit the residents of Greenfield Assisted Living

• Held a three day officer retreat at Yogi Bear Park

• Participate in another Adopt-A-Stream Project

• Served a community meal at St. Paul Lutheran Church

• Hold a chapter parent-member awards banquet

• Participated in Adopt-A-Stream with Hometown Strasburg • Held a Veteran’s Day Breakfast Program to honor veterans in our community • Participated in a two-day study of the Shenandoah River with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation • Hosted the Massanutten FFA Federation Leadership Workshop • Attended National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky where we one of our members, Tiffany Heishman, placed 4th in the National FFA Agriscience Career Development Event Contest • Held a Fall Fun Festival where members and parents made apple butter, decorated pumpkins, had a pumpkin bake-off contest, basketball tournament, and a corn hole tournament • Held a holiday social at Greenfield Assistance Living in Strasburg • Competed in the Massanutten FFA Federation FFA Quiz Bowl and Agriscience Mechanics Career Development Event contests • Held a fruit, meat, and cheese fundraiser • Held a holiday social with the residents of Greenfield Assisted Living • Sponsored a school Valentine’s Dance • Host a chapter pubic speaking contest and then participate in the Federation Public Speaking Career Development Event contest Some of our Spring time activities include: • Holding an Ag. Day Tour for our FFA members to tour a variety of places in Shenandoah County

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• Planning to sponsor an FFA Blood Drive with the American Red Cross (Feb. 11th)

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Getting Away From It All

Northern Virginia Daily

President: Lizzie Funkhouser

Each year the officers from Stonewall Jackson FFA take two officer retreats. During the summer we go to Highland Retreat in Bergton, and in the winter we go to Brethren Woods in Rockingham County.

Vice Presidents: Victoria Marston, Rosie Clifton Secretaries: Savannah Frazier, Megan Strickler, Kayla Miller Treasurers: Cody Baker, Codey Thomas, Alex Dinges

At Highland, the focus is on getting to know each other and planning for the first semester. Several officers will be new to high school or to being an officer, and we hope that having fun together will build teamwork.

Reporters: Kayla Pennington, Alyssa Foltz, Jessica Miller

Brethren Woods Officer Retreat

Litter pickup for Adopt-A-Highway

Sentinels: Kyle Foltz, Justice Baize, Matt Golladay, Faith Funkhouser

six to go, things get pretty crowded. If anyone steps off, he has to start over.

Other activities include a Jr. Officers: Dakota Baker, cable about one foot off the Brooke Dinges ground strung among the We participate in the trees, where we have to figHighland Retreat ROPES platform which is about two ure out how to get the Course, where a guide takes feet square. The first few whole team from one end to us through several chalpeople are pretty easy, but the other. If anyone steps lenges. Our favorite is a off, we all have to start rope swing, where we each once you get twelve or so have to swing across onto a onto the platform and have over. These activities help us learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and make us work together to achieve a common goal.

Helping with Keystone Tractor Pull

Harvesting tomatoes in greenhouse

At Brethren Woods, there is usually snow on the ground, so it is nice to stay in a cabin with a woodstove and bunk beds. After finalizing plans for FFA Week and the FFA banquet, we have a ping-pong tournament which Mr. Brill almost always wins. We

also have a marathon Pictionary game, but we often forget to bring the cards, so Mr. Jarrett assigns words from the dictionary.

It is amazing someone with no drawing ability can get her teammates to come up with the correct answers.

Unless it is really, really cold, we take a short hike.

Mr. Brill has a different idea of what short means.

We also fix our own supper, usually spaghetti, and breakfast. We try not to stay up too late, because the advisors get grouchy after midnight.

Getting out and having fun is part of growing up.

Using that time to build friendships and accomplish big goals is most important on our officer retreats.

Food For America for ALE 4th graders

Highland Retreat Officer Retreat

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Northern Virginia Daily

Each month, as part of Agricultural Literacy program approximately 20 members travel to Sandy Hook Elementary School to teach all 8 of the Kindergarten classes a 30 minute lesson on some aspect of agriculture. Recent topics have included: cattle President: Bethany Gochenour Vice Presidents: Austin Weaver & Ashley Yanego Secretaries: Gina Lucas & Kyla Mason Treasurers: Rachel Funkhouser & Hannah Orndorff Reporters: Miley Hupp & Nathan McDonald Sentinel: Ethan Gochenour Student Advisor: Holly Funkhouser Historians: Kara Dolly & Devon Eyring Junior Officers: Tiffany Heishman, Nick Jenkins & Callie Stead

byproducts, animal tracks, campfire safety and an investigation on the role of Virginia agriculture in the production of a Thanksgiving meal. Every year, in May our chapter hosts ‘Fun Farming Day’ as a culminating activity for the program. Each of the 8 stations represents s a previous lesson giving each student a hands-on, direct connection to 8 sectors of the agricultural industry.

Twice a year, all of the 1st and 2nd grade classes at Sandy Hook Elementary School travel to Strasburg High School for an experience in the Outdoor Learning Laboratory. Each station incorporates an activity that promotes and develops agricultural literacy, environmental stewardship, and recreational safety.

Exposing them early to the vast nature of agriculture will better prepare them to make contributions to the FFA chapters of SKMS and SHS and ultimately the world.

All of our agricultural literacy programs incorporate Virginia Standards of Learning and adhere to the pacing guides of the respective grade level. In addition to developing and increasing agricultural literacy, the goal of these programs is to instill an interest in the industry of agriculture.

Our chapter participates in a multitude of service projects each year, our most recent projects have included: hosting blood drives, participating in the Ruritan’s Empty Stocking Project, Adopt-A-Senior, serving community meals, and assisting with SKMS FFA activities.

Once these students get to High School they will have the opportunity to take In addition to the monthly courses in Agricultural Sciences, Horticulture, trips to the Kindergarten Metal Fabrication, classes at Sandy Hook, a group of approximately 20 Veterinary Sciences, Leadership Development, students travel monthly to and Natural Resources.

Mrs. McKee’s 5th grade class to conduct a Partner’s The benefits of involvein Active Learning Support ment in agricultural educa(PALS) program. Each 30 tion programs extend far minute lesson incorporates beyond educational merit. It math, science, and econom- is our sincere hope that all ics and promotes citizenthose who participate in our ship, environmental stewvarious programs live out ardship and agricultural lit- the last line of the FFA eracy.

Motto, “Living to Serve.”

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This year the Strasburg High School FFA chapter has made a commitment to increasing the agricultural literacy of our community.

This commitment extends far beyond our members and officers. Through several initiatives, we are providing instruction in all facets of agriculture including the understanding of food and fiber systems, to all Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd grade classes and one 5th grade class at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Beyond that, our two agricultural education teachers teach a combined total of 15 classes to the student body of Strasburg High school.

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Northern Virginia Daily

Did you know?

Educate and advocate!

Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. The week-long tradition began in 1947 when the National FFA Board of Directors designated the week of George Washington’s birthday as National FFA Week in recognition of his legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. The first National FFA Week was held in 1948. Today, FFA Week always runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, Washington’s birthday.

National FFA Week did not start out as a week-long event. At first it was National FFA Day. The 1933 National FFA Convention Proceedings records the beginning of FFA Day in this way: “Stewart of Montana requested the floor at this time to present a matter of general interest. He suggested the idea of having a special Future Farmer Day some time during 1934, preferably on one of the regular national FFA broad-

National FFA Week is an opportunity for FFA members, alumni and sponsors to advocate for agricultural education and FFA. It’s a time to share with local, state and national audiences what FFA is and the impact it has on members every day.

Have fun!

casting days. It was pointed out that the various state associations could perhaps plan special state broadcasts also on that day and

that chapters might plan their father and son banquets on the date specified. The idea seemed to meet with general delegate

There are a variety of events throughout the week that allow a chapter to communicate with others what FFA is all about and ignite a passion for agriculture!

Some chapters host teacher appreciation breakfasts, others conduct “Agriculture Olympics” competitions, while still others reach out to the community through service projects. This is just a small samapproval and after some discussion it was moved by Stewart that pling of how chapters promote the Board of Trustees arrange for FFA in their schools and commusuch a day; motion passed.” nities.

We salute FFA and wish them a great week! Daryl Bowman Livestock, Inc. Licensed & Bonded Livestock Order Buyer Weaned & Vaccinated Cattle

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

February 24, 2015

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Northern Virginia Daily

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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

Northern Virginia Daily

During National FFA Week, Feb. 21-28, and all year long, the Frederick County Farm Bureau and Shenandoah County Farm Bureau are proud to support FFA activities in our communities.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of its members by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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Today’s members are tomorrow’s leaders of Virginia’s No. 1 industry, and we salute our FFA members, advisers, volunteers and alumni!